Tell patients to stop smoking, or get sued

Another example where the stick is being used to change physician behavior:

Here’s another thing for doctors to worry about: An anti-smoking group is suggesting that smokers who develop smoking-related illnesses — and their families — might be able to sue docs who didn’t give smokers the right advice about quitting.

In a letter to state health commissioners, the group Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) suggested that bringing suits against physicians could be an effective way to save lives.